Allows advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, and physicians who are and are not licensed in Rhode Island to provide telemedicine services to patients who are in the state when those services are rendered.

Rhode Island Telemedicine Expansion Bill

This bill would expand access to telemedicine services for Rhode Island patients by allowing a broader range of healthcare providers to treat them remotely. Specifically, it would permit advanced practice registered nurses (such as nurse practitioners), physician assistants, and doctors — including those not licensed in Rhode Island — to provide virtual medical care to patients who are physically located in the state at the time of the appointment.

The most notable aspect of this bill is that it would allow out-of-state healthcare providers to serve Rhode Island patients through telemedicine, even if those providers don't hold a Rhode Island medical license. This could be especially helpful for patients in areas with fewer local healthcare options, or for those seeking specialists who may not be available nearby. Rhode Island residents would potentially have access to a much wider pool of healthcare professionals without needing to travel.

The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It was introduced and referred to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, which has recommended holding it for further study rather than moving it forward immediately. A hearing is scheduled for March 3, 2026. This means lawmakers are still gathering information and weighing the details before deciding whether to advance the bill toward a full vote.